Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve was officially declared Canada's 40th National Park in May of 2003. The marine park protects the southern Gulf Islands archipelago which is part of the Strait of Georgia Lowlands. The park is a collection of eco systems consisting of islands, underwater reefs and numerous islets.

The Gulf Islands National Park is a popular destination for many wilderness adventures. Some of the activities enjoyed in the park include scuba diving, boating, sailing, swimming, wilderness camping, ocean kayaking, wildlife watching and birdwatching.

The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is 35 square kilometres including a 25 metre intertidal zone! There are a total of 15 islands. The park includes 4 geographical zones - The Outer Islands, Prevost Island, The Penders and the Inner Islands. Many of the islands are part of popular long haul kayak paddle routes.

The Outer islands region includes Saturna Island, Tumbo island, Cabbage Island, Mayne Island, Anniversary Island, Samual Island and the Belle Chain Islets. The Prevost Island region includes such highlights as James Bay, Selby Cove, Portlock Point, Channel Islands and Nearby Islets.

The Penders region includes North and South Pender Islands. The highlights include Roesland Lake, Loretta's Wood, Mount Norman, Greenburn Lake and Blunden Islet. The Inner Islands region includes Russel, Island, Portland Island, Brackman Island, Isle-de-Lis, Sidney Spit and D'Arcy island.

Long ago the First Nations people lived among the scattered islands. There are areas on the islands that were once used for burial sites and for places of worship. Please do not approach or disturb the First Nations sacred sites.

Kayaking and boating the Gulf Islands National Park is one of the most popular ways of touring the park. The many channels and inlets open up views of rocky cliffs, caves and the rediscovery of deserted islands.

Wildlife is abundant in the area. Wildlife like seals, Sea Lions, porpoises, whales and many different varieties of marine birds like the Blue Heron and predator birds like the Bald Eagle and the Red Tail Hawk.

Throughout the Gulf Islands National Park are marked areas for wilderness camping and some day-use areas with pit toilets, hiking and walking trails. Pack in what you pack out. Please abide by the " no trace camping " rules.

How to get to Gulf Islands National Park

The Gulf Islands National Park main islands of Galiano, Mayne and Pender Islands are accessed by a BC Ferry from the Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and the Tsawwassen terminal on the mainland in Vancouver. Most of the beautiful areas of the park are accessed only via a kayak, sailboat or motor boat including the most popular areas like the Belle Chain, Sidney Spit, Java, Georgeson, Portland, Rum, D’Arcy, Brackman, Prevost, Cabbage, Tumbo, Pine Islet, Channel Islets, Russell, Dock, Imrie, Red Islets, Hawkins, Blunden, Samuel Islet and Isabella Islet.